im Uhrzeigersinn
/ɪm ˈuːɐ̯t͡saɪ̯ɡɐˌzɪn/word by word
The German phrase for clockwise is im Uhrzeigersinn.
im Uhrzeigersinn is an adverb used to describe movement in a circular fashion in the same direction as the hands of an analogue clock.
Meaning: in a circular fashion in the same direction as the hands of an analogue clock (adv)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of im (in the), Uhrzeiger (clock hand) and Sinn (sense/direction), meaning "in the clock hand direction".
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/ɪm ˈuːɐ̯tsaɪ̯ɡɐˌzɪn/
Did you know?
- In German, the word Sinn can mean 'sense' as in 'meaning' or 'direction'. In im Uhrzeigersinn, it describes a spatial direction, a use that is now quite rare in other contexts.
- While English describes the parts of a clock as 'hands', the German Uhrzeiger literally means 'clock pointer'. This reflects a linguistic preference for describing the function of the object rather than using a metaphor.
- The word Zeiger comes from the verb zeigen, which means 'to show' or 'to point', describing the clock hand as something that points.
Examples in context
- Den Knauf im Uhrzeigersinn drehen.Turn the knob clockwise.This sentence shows how to use im Uhrzeigersinn when instructing someone to turn an object.Tatoeba #9455386 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #9452795 by CK
- Der Kreisel dreht sich im Uhrzeigersinn.The top is turning clockwise.This sentence demonstrates the phrase used to describe the rotation of a spinning top.Tatoeba #930597 by Esperantostern, translation #928517 by U2FS
- Das Karussell dreht sich im Uhrzeigersinn.The merry-go-round rotates clockwise.This sentence illustrates the use of im Uhrzeigersinn to describe a merry-go-round rotating.Tatoeba #3166241 by freddy1, translation #3166248 by freddy1
- Bitte drehen Sie den Knopf im Uhrzeigersinn.Please turn the knob clockwise.
- Drehe den Knauf im Uhrzeigersinn, um die Temperatur zu erhöhen.Turn the knob clockwise to increase the temperature.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura is helping Julian open a jar.
- LauraDreh das Glas im Uhrzeigersinn.Turn the jar clockwise.
- JulianGeht es so auf?Does it open this way?
- LauraNein, du musst es andersherum drehen.No, you have to turn it the other way.
- JulianAch so, also nicht im Uhrzeigersinn!Oh, so not clockwise!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “clockwise” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (im, Uhrzeigersinn) and can differ in connected speech.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
